What about temporary migrants who want to go home but are stuck here?
What about people on student visas whose visa was automatically extended but they are no longer studying? Is their student visa still valid?
Students whose visa had an expiry date of 2 April to 9 July 2020 inclusive, and who were in New Zealand on 2 April 2020, had their visa automatically extended to 25 September 2020. Their visa conditions remain the same as before the visa was extended.
Those who are already employed in an essential services role will be able to work longer hours while New Zealand remains in Alert Level 3 or 4 and for six weeks following. Their employer must make a request to vary the visa conditions. We have also announced changes specifically for those student visa holders working in supermarkets and the healthcare sector to undertake more employment than they were able to previously. More information about these changes can be found here.
We understand that some student visa holders may have had their student visa extended automatically but may have finished their course of study and do not intend to undertake any further studies. Students who no longer wish to study in New Zealand should notify their education provider as soon as they are able to. Their education provider will in turn notify INZ on the student’s behalf. We are considering options for students in this circumstance and will provide more information as it is available.
Students who have finished their course of study can make plans to return home where possible.
Are there any plans to allow people already in New Zealand on visitor visas to work while they are stuck here?
People who come to New Zealand temporarily as tourists are required to have enough money to maintain themselves in New Zealand and pay for their return flights home. These requirements remain in place; therefore there has been no consideration of allowing visitor visa holders to work. Short term visitor visa holders should seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate and/or look into options for returning home if they are unable to support themselves while remaining in New Zealand. Individuals who are currently in New Zealand on a visitor visa and wish to work while they are here, need to apply for and be granted a work visa to be legally able to work in New Zealand.
INZ understands there are a number of temporary work visa holders whose work has been affected by the current COVID-19 situation and we are currently looking at further options for these individuals and will make decisions as soon as possible. However, the priority at the moment is on ensuring the continuation of essential services. Some changes have already been made for those work visa holders already employed in essential services. More information about these changes can be found here.
My migrant worker was due to finish in April and now can’t go home. They are living in our accommodation and have nowhere to go. I need the house for my new workers. What should we do?
Foreign nationals who are not currently employed or are experiencing any difficulties should talk to their Consulate or Embassy for assistance, especially regarding repatriation flights.
Support to self-isolate is available for those in particular hardship through the Temporary Accommodation Service and local Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups. More information is available here.
I am on a visa with work conditions and am currently unable to return to New Zealand due to the current travel restrictions. Is my employer eligible to receive the wage subsidy even though I am not in New Zealand and pay me my wages? What if my work visa expires whilst I am overseas?
You should contact the Ministry of Social Development for enquiries relating to INZ to the Wage Subsidy Scheme.
If your work visa expires whilst overseas, you will need to apply for a new work visa. |